The diet cure?: GlaxoSmithKline is about to launch their new diet pill, Alli, that is supposed to help people lose weight by blocking fat absorption. The marketing for the new pill is careful not to over promise, emphasizing the importance of diet and exercise. From the article in Forbes:

When taken with meals, the drug blocks the absorption of about one-quarter of any fat consumed. That fat – about 150 to 200 calories worth – is passed out of the body, potentially resulting in loose stools.

About half of patients in trials experienced gastrointestinal side effects, including leakages and oily discharges.